Within the vast expanse of the divine body, he beheld an astonishing vision: deer and monkeys, lions and boars, hyenas, hares, elephants, and countless other creatures moved within him. As his gaze deepened, he saw all the sacred fords, villages, and cities spread across the earth, along with the activities of agriculture, cattle-tending, trade, and the bustling of buying and selling. His vision expanded further, revealing the foremost gods, beginning with Indra, and a host of celestial beings—gandharvas, apsarases, yakshas, and the ancient seers. He beheld too the multitudes of daityas and danavas, the mighty nagas, great sages, the sons of Simhika, and other adversaries of the gods. Whatever had ever moved or remained unmoving in this world, he saw all of it within the belly of that divine being, O best of the twice-born. Indeed, what need is there for endless enumeration? For everything that exists—from Brahma himself down to a single blade of grass, whether moving or unmoving—he beheld it all. He saw the earth-world, the mid-region, the heaven-world, Mahar, Janas, Tapas, Satya, Atala, and Vitala. He saw Patala, Sutala, Vitala, Rasatala, Mahatala, and even the cosmic egg itself, all contained within that belly. By the grace of that god, his movement was unhindered; his memory remained intact. Yet, as he wandered within the womb of Vishnu, he could not reach the end of that immeasurable body, though the entire universe was encompassed within it. When, after searching, he could not find the limit of that divine form, the sage sought refuge in the boon-giving Lord. Then, by the force of wind, he suddenly emerged from the open mouth of that great-souled person. Having exited, O eminent sages, he beheld once more the earth, now a single, endless ocean, devoid of people. Before him again appeared that god as he had seen before: in the form of a wondrous child, seated serenely upon a couch formed by the branch of a banyan tree. The child bore the mark of Shrivatsa upon his chest, was clothed in yellow garments, had four arms, and held the universe itself. His eyes were wide and beautiful, like lotus petals. Seeing the sage approach, floating and unconscious as he emerged from the divine mouth, the god smiled and spoke gently to him: “Child, did you rest within my belly? And while wandering there, did you witness anything wondrous? You are my devotee, O best of sages, weary and sheltered by me. Therefore, for your benefit, I reveal myself—look upon me here.” Hearing these words, the sage was filled with joy; his hair stood on end. He gazed upon the one difficult even for the gods to behold, adorned with celestial jewels. In that moment, by the grace of the Lord, his vision became clear and pure, and a new sight appeared before him. With great reverence, he bowed his head at the god’s feet—red at the tips of the toes and worshipped by the gods—his voice choked with emotion. With hands joined in devotion, delighted and awestruck, beholding the Supreme Self, he began to praise him: “O God of gods, Lord of the universe, who appears as a magical child, protect me, O beautiful lotus-eyed one, for I am suffering and have come to you for refuge. I am tormented, O best of gods, by the fire called Samvartaka and frightened by the rain of embers—protect me, O Supreme Person. The fierce wind, the very life-breath of the universe, has dried me up; I am distressed and weary—protect me, O Supreme Person. I am scorched by the ministers of destruction, by whirlwinds of dissolution and the like; I find no peace—protect me, O Supreme Person. Thirsty and afflicted by hunger, suffering, O Lord of the world, I see no protector here—save me, O Supreme Person. In this dreadful, single ocean, where all moving and unmoving beings are destroyed, I find no end—save me, O Supreme Person. Within your belly, O Lord of gods, I have seen all that moves and does not move; I am astonished and distressed—save me, O Supreme Person. In this world, without support, be gracious, O Supreme Person; be gracious, O best of the gods; be gracious, O beloved of the gods. Be gracious, O Lord of the gods; be gracious, O abode of the gods; be gracious, O Lord of all worlds, cause of the cause of the universe. Be gracious, O creator of all, O god; be gracious, my sustainer; be gracious, O dweller in the waters; be gracious, O slayer of Madhu. Be gracious, O beloved of Lakshmi; be gracious, O lord of the thirty gods; be gracious, O slayer of Kamsa and Keshi; be gracious, O destroyer of Arishta. Be gracious, O Krishna, destroyer of demons; be gracious, O ender of Danavas; be gracious, O dweller in Mathura; be gracious, O joy of the Yadus. Be gracious, O younger brother of Indra; be gracious, O giver of boons, imperishable one. You are the earth, you are the water, O god; you are the fire, you are the wind. You are the sky, you are the mind, and you are also the ego; you are intelligence and nature, and the qualities beginning with sattva, O Lord of the world. You are the Person, pervading the universe, and greater than even the supreme Person; you are all the senses, O Lord, and the objects beginning with sound. You are the guardians of the directions, and righteousness, and the Vedas, and sacrifices with proper gifts; you are Indra, you are Shiva, O god; you are the offering, you are the fire. You are Yama, lord of ancestors, O god; you are the chief of the Rakshasas yourself; you are Varuna, lord of the waters; you are Vayu, you are the lord of wealth. You are Ishana, you are Ananta, you are Ganesha and Shanmukha; you are the Vasus, likewise the Rudras, the Adityas, and the beings of the sky.” Thus, overwhelmed with awe and devotion, the sage offered his heartfelt praises to the Supreme Lord, who had revealed to him the mystery and majesty of the universe itself.